Karnataka government knew of Revanna's prison phone, alleges Kumaraswamy

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday levelled fresh allegations against the Karnataka government, claiming it had prior knowledge that Prajwal Revanna, convicted in a rape case, had access to a mobile phone while in custody. Kumaraswamy suggested the issue was weaponised to divert public attention from other matters affecting the state administration.

The minister alleged that the government deliberately amplified the phone incident involving Revanna to shift focus away from controversies including the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam, as well as governance issues related to the Bidadi and NICE projects. Kumaraswamy's comments add to the mounting friction between the Centre and the state government on various administrative and political matters.

Speaking to media persons, the Union minister indicated that he possessed additional information that could attract nationwide attention. However, he refrained from immediately disclosing the details, suggesting he would release them at a later date. The allegation comes amid ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, with opposition leaders frequently clashing with the state administration over multiple governance issues.

The claims underscore the intensifying blame game between political opponents in the state over how authorities have handled high-profile cases and policy implementation. Officials from the Karnataka government have not yet responded to Kumaraswamy's allegations.